How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of an Ant Infestation?

Russell Pest Control
May 1, 2023
5 min read
Pests are notorious for causing nuisance and damage in homes, and ants are no exception.

Pests are notorious for causing nuisance and damage in homes, and ants are no exception. There are thousands of ant species worldwide; some are more than an annoyance. Most homeowners deal with an ant infestation at some point, and if left unchecked, the problem can become complicated to handle. Ants can establish big colonies in a short span, which makes them very tricky to eliminate.

Why is an ant infestation challenging to manage?

Ants can make multiple colonies on a single property, and several times these colonies are in inaccessible areas, which makes them tough to locate and treat. Also, several people keep relying on over-the-counter treatment methods, which are ineffective in completely exterminating the ants, and the surviving ants keep making new colonies. Queen ants can live for a maximum of 15 years, and as long as queen ants are present on the property, they will keep making new colonies, and the infestation will only get more and more challenging to handle.

Why is it essential to get rid of an ant infestation?

Ants present several hazards when they take up residence in homes:

  • Bites and stings from some ant species can be very painful.
  • Ants can contaminate food and other home surfaces.
  • Some people can develop an allergic reaction to ant bites.
  • Ants can set up full-sized colonies, increasing infestation considerably.
  • Some types of ants can cause extensive home damage.
  • Ants can attract other pests like spiders and bats into the home.

How long does it take to exterminate ants?

As we know, ants are persistent pests. When ants have taken up residence on the property, call a pest control professional to treat and manage the infestation as soon as possible instead of trying DIY methods, which will only prolong the process. Treating an ant infestation usually requires multiple visits. While the homeowners may see a reduction in the ant activity, complete extermination may take up to several weeks or a few months, depending on the property, the extent of the infestation, and the colony's location.

While it may seem difficult initially, it is possible to exterminate ants from the house entirely. Pest control professionals will treat the existing colony and adopt follow-up prevention strategies to stop them from returning. Ant extermination services of several pest control companies come with a guarantee. Their professionals prepare a thorough plan and reapply the treatment until there are no signs of ants in the home. They also organize a maintenance plan, where they perform regular inspections and share some tips with the homeowners to avoid re-infestation.  

Valuable tips to prevent an ant infestation

  • Keep the home clean and store all food items in airtight containers.
  • Seal all gaps, cracks, and holes to prevent ants from accessing the house quickly.
  • Use an ant barrier around the home.

Seeking professional assistance is the best way to eliminate and prevent ants. Pest control technicians have the necessary knowledge and treatment methods to ensure complete elimination.

Russell Pest Control is a family-owned Phoenix area pest control company specializing in effective, responsible and proactive insect, weed, and rodent control for commercial and residential customers. We offer free estimates. Call (623) 469-7583 today! "Expect the best from Russell Pest”